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Wooden male anatomical figure, Europe, 1601-1700

The torso of this figure can be removed to show the intestines, liver, stomach and a basic representation of the lungs and diaphragm. The intestines are also removable to show the kidneys and lower arteries and veins. Meanwhile, the underside of the removable torso is engraved with muscles and arteries.
Many anatomical figures from this period tended to be made of ivory and were considerably smaller than this model, which is 430 mm in length. The level of anatomical detail is limited but gives a basic layout of the main organs. As such it is likely that the model was used to teach lay people about basic human anatomy. This model forms a pair with A79253 – a female figure. Pairs of male and female figures were not uncommon in the 1600s, and may have been used by midwives to teach young married couples about anatomy and pregnancy.